Why Is My Dog Shaking Its Head? Common Causes and When to See a Vet

Every dog shakes their head now and then. But if your dog keeps doing it, is scratching at an ear or suddenly seems bothered by one side of their head, there is usually something irritating them.

Ear problems are very common in dogs, and they can become uncomfortable quite quickly.

The good news is that most causes can be identified with a straightforward ear check.

If your dog has started shaking their head repeatedly, book an appointment at Blakehurst Vet and we can take a look.

Quick Answer

If your dog keeps shaking its head, something may be irritating or hurting the ear.

Common reasons include:

• An ear infection
• Allergies
• A grass seed or something stuck in the ear
• Ear mites
• Wax or irritation inside the ear

If the shaking keeps happening, or you notice scratching, redness, smell, discharge or discomfort, it is best to have the ear checked rather than waiting to see if it settles on its own.

An Ear Infection

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs start shaking their heads.

You might also notice your dog scratching at their ear, rubbing their head on the floor or furniture, or pulling away when you touch the ear.

There may also be redness, wax, discharge or an unusual smell.

Sometimes the outside of the ear can look fairly normal even when there is a problem further inside, so it can be difficult to tell what is going on just by looking at home.

That is where an ear examination at the vet can help.

Allergies Can Affect the Ears Too

If your dog regularly has itchy skin, licks their paws or has recurring ear trouble, allergies may be part of the problem.

The ears and skin are often connected when it comes to allergies.

You may find that the ears improve for a while and then the same problem keeps coming back.

If that sounds familiar, it is worth mentioning it when you bring your dog in. We can look at the bigger picture rather than just treating the ear each time.

You can also read our article Why Is My Dog Licking Its Paws? for more information about itchy skin and allergies.

A Grass Seed or Something Stuck in the Ear

If your dog suddenly starts shaking their head quite violently, particularly after a walk or time spent running through grass, something may have gone into the ear.

Grass seeds are a common culprit.

Dogs can become very uncomfortable very quickly if something is lodged inside the ear, and it is usually not something you can safely remove at home.

If the head shaking starts suddenly and does not stop, book an appointment so we can check the ear properly.

Ear Mites

Ear mites can also make dogs very itchy around their ears.

They are more often seen in puppies, but they can affect dogs of any age.

Because several different ear problems can look very similar from the outside, it is better not to guess what the cause is or use leftover ear medication from a previous problem.

The treatment that worked last time may not be the right treatment this time.

What Signs Should I Look For?

Along with head shaking, keep an eye out for:

• Scratching at the ears
• Rubbing the head against furniture or the floor
• Redness inside the ear
• Wax or discharge
• An unusual smell
• Swelling
• Sensitivity when you touch the ear
• One ear being held differently
• A sudden change in behaviour

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have your dog checked.

Should I Clean My Dog’s Ear First?

If your dog is actively shaking their head or the ear looks red, sore or painful, we would generally rather see the ear before you start putting products into it.

Cleaning an irritated ear can sometimes make it more uncomfortable, and the right treatment depends on what is causing the problem.

It is also best not to use cotton buds inside your dog’s ear.

If routine ear cleaning would be helpful for your dog, we can show you what to use and how to do it safely.

What Happens at the Appointment?

For most dogs, checking an ear is quite straightforward.

The vet will have a look inside the ear and check for things such as infection, irritation, discharge or anything that should not be there.

Depending on what we find, we may take a small sample from the ear so we can work out what treatment will be most useful.

The aim is to find the reason your dog is shaking their head and get them comfortable again.

Don’t Leave an Uncomfortable Ear Too Long

Ear problems rarely become more pleasant with time.

A mildly irritated ear can become much sorer if a dog continues scratching and shaking their head, so early treatment is usually easier for everyone.

If your dog has been shaking their head repeatedly, scratching an ear or seems uncomfortable, give Blakehurst Vet a call or book an appointment online.

We care for dogs from Blakehurst, Hurstville, South Hurstville, Sylvania, the Sutherland Shire and surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dog suddenly shaking its head?

A sudden bout of head shaking can be caused by irritation in the ear, an infection, allergies or something such as a grass seed becoming lodged inside the ear.

If the shaking continues, book a veterinary appointment so the ear can be checked.

Does head shaking mean my dog has an ear infection?

Not always, but an ear infection is one of the common causes.

Other ear problems can look very similar, which is why it is useful to have the ear examined before starting treatment.

When should I take my dog to the vet for head shaking?

If your dog keeps shaking their head, is scratching the ear, has redness, discharge, smell or seems uncomfortable, it is worth making an appointment.

If the shaking is sudden and severe, we would recommend having the ear checked sooner rather than later.

Can allergies make my dog shake its head?

Yes. Dogs with allergies can have itchy or irritated ears as well as itchy skin or paws.

If your dog has recurring ear problems, let your vet know.

Can I use old ear drops from my dog’s last ear infection?

It is better not to.

The cause of the ear problem may be different this time, so the medication that worked previously may not be suitable.

Book an appointment and we can check what is causing the problem first.